Under Italian Skies

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Ven, Roz, Olive and Frankie have been friends since school. They day-dreamed of glorious futures, full of riches, romance and fabulous jobs. Twenty-five years later, Olive cleans other people's houses to support her lazy, out-of-work husband and his ailing mother. Roz cannot show her caring husband Manus any love because her philandering ex has left her trust in shreds. And she and Frankie have fallen out big time. But Ven is determined to reunite her friends and realise the dream they had of taking a cruise before they hit 40.

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Loved it

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Gianluca's life is empty. His City job, his seven-figure income, his glossy girlfriends - all have long ceased to satisfy him. His marriage is over, and he barely knows his young daughters. In search of serenity and a deeper purpose, he flees to Italy. But life on the sun-drenched Amalfi coast is not as peaceful as Luca anticipates.

Publisher's Summary

Stella has life under control - and that's the way she likes it. For 25 years, she's been the trusted assistant to a legendary fashion designer, but after her boss dies suddenly, she's left with nothing to do apart from clear the studio.

It seems as though the life she wanted has vanished. She is lost - until one day she finds a house swap website and sees a beautiful old villa in a Southern Italian village. Could she really exchange her poky London flat for that?

But what was intended as just a break becomes much more, as Stella finds herself trying on a stranger's life. As the villa begins to get under her skin, she can't help but imagine the owner from the clues around her. She meets his friends, cooks the local food he recommends and follows suggestions to go to his favourite places. But can an idea of someone ever match up to the reality?

As Stella wonders if she can let go of the safety of her past, perhaps there's a chance for her to find a way into her future....

feel good light reading

great story with mouthwatering food descriptions. entertained the whole way through. get me to Italy... now!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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Overall

2 out of 5 stars

Performance

2 out of 5 stars

Story

2 out of 5 stars

Jan

25-06-2018

Under Italian Skies

Under Italian Skies. Not what I thought this book would be just cannot get into it I love anything on Italy. Given up after another try. Cannot understand all the good reviews.

Sort by:

Overall

3 out of 5 stars

Performance

4 out of 5 stars

Story

3 out of 5 stars

mrs

05-06-2016

Nice read

Nice read but a little slow at times!

But a great holiday read and relaxing to listen too

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

5 out of 5 stars

Bunny

03-04-2018

love story with a difference

Loved it couldn't turn it off. Well read & interesting till the end love twisting

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

5 out of 5 stars

Kat

23-03-2018

Give yourself a taste of Italy

I loved this book. The pace gave me time to gradually get to know and delight in the characters. I discovered the place through the eyes of Stella, her friends became mine. The plot was believable with natural complications which kept me wondering. I recommend Under Italian Skies for all those wanting encouragement to make changes as their lives mature.The Italian accented narration of the narrator added to the atmosphere.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Overall

3 out of 5 stars

Performance

2 out of 5 stars

Story

3 out of 5 stars

Lorna

29-07-2016

Predictable but an enjoyable holiday listen.

I listened to this audio book whilst on holiday, lying on the beach. A good choice for a holiday 'read' and an enjoyable story despite being pretty predictable. The narrator had a very convincing Italian accent, but throughout the rest of the narrative her voice was clipped and rather expressionless & she seemed to cut the sentences up into shorter phrases which didn't flow naturally. For me this spoiled my enjoyment of what should have been an atmospheric holiday 'read'.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

5 out of 5 stars

Richard J

17-07-2016

What a beautiful story

If you have even a slightly sentimental personality,this is a story you must hear.I think Nicky Pellegrino has written a wonderful story,and the narration by Jane McDowell makes it come alive,you see yourself there in every scene and feel for every character,Thankyou.Richard

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

4 out of 5 stars

Holly C.

20-12-2018

oh I loved it just perfect reading

I knocked one star off the story rating, only because I guessed the ending correctly. but I just loved this book. I'd been looking for a great "summer read" that wasn't too predictable - it wasn't - I was nicely surprised in places! just the end I guessed. but I love the mix of characters, the way things intertwined unexpectedly and the wonderful and unusual parts of this story. it has left me smiling and with more zest for my own future. thank you 😊🙏

Overall

3 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

3 out of 5 stars

Lu

23-08-2018

A lovely light listen. No surprises

This was what I imagine the description 'holiday read' is meant to describe. It was sunny, within a beautiful setting, full of local Italian domestic and village life, food and characters. I enjoyed it and listening to the friendships develop. it's main theme seemed to be endings and beginnings. Or perhaps, those transitional points in one's life that take courage.

I found the storyline very predictable and I don't think it stands out as a book I'll particular remember. But if you want a gentle, well written dip into Italy, definitely give it a read or listen.

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

5 out of 5 stars

Lizzie

08-01-2018

Italian romance at it’s best.

I really enjoyed this book. Wonderful characters and a lovely story. I felt like I was there with them in the sunshine. Is there a sequel? I want to know what happened to them all next.